The American Constitution: Its Origin, Evolution, and Our Present Difficulties

In this short course from Wonderlust, we will look at the historical, political and intellectual context in which the framers debated, fought over and adopted our foundation documents (The Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights). We will also examine subsequent corrective amendments to the Constitution.

Participants will be asked to read and discuss these foundation documents and the arguments made in support at the time of their adoption.

Finally, we will turn to contemporary issues involving constitutional interpretation and application of Congressional, Presidential and Supreme Court authority. We will also discuss individual rights issues such as free speech, the exercise of religion, the right to keep firearms, privacy, and equal protection.